New research from leasing expert Autotrader reveals the UK cities where finding a parking space is most stressful.
Their analysis compares the number of parking spaces available (sourced via Parkopedia) across the UK’s most densely populated cities against car ownership levels, identifying where car parking supply is highest, and where it falls short.
UK cities with the least available parking
Bradford ranks as the most difficult city for parking, with just 85 spaces available per 1,000 cars, based on 18,394 spaces serving around 215,600 vehicles. In busy areas such as Broadway Shopping Centre and along key routes like Leeds Road, limited capacity means drivers are likely to spend longer searching for a space.
Sunderland follows, with 99 spaces per 1,000 cars across 11,461 parking spaces and approximately 115,500 vehicles. Pressure is often felt around the city centre and major landmarks such as the Stadium of Light.
Leeds ranks third, offering 140 spaces per 1,000 cars, with 44,735 spaces serving around 319,600 vehicles. Demand in the city centre and around destinations like Trinity Leeds can make parking particularly competitive.
Sheffield comes next, with 143 spaces per 1,000 cars from a total of 31,372 spaces. Birmingham completes the bottom five, with 153 spaces per 1,000 cars across 61,877.
UK cities with the most available parking
Manchester, home to Autotrader’s headquarters, emerges as the UK’s easiest city for parking, with an impressive 736 spaces available per 1,000 cars. With 120,265 spaces serving around 163,500 vehicles, drivers benefit from significantly greater availability compared to other major cities.
London ranks second, offering 419 spaces per 1,000 cars from 30,827 spaces and approximately 73,500 vehicles. Leicester takes third place, with 361 spaces per 1,000 cars across 45,426 spaces and around 125,700 vehicles.
Nottingham follows with 303 spaces per 1,000 cars, Newcastle completes the top five, offering 294 spaces per 1,000 cars.
UK cities with the highest parking costs
